Mayo woman's life fondly remembered upon sad passing

Ann Waldron, Redhill, Tulrahan, who died peacefully in the loving care of her family and the staff of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in recent weeks, was held in the greatest regard by all who knew her over the years.

She was daughter of the late Kathleen (née Larkin) and Michael Walsh from Mace, Barnacarroll, and grew up in a rural culture where the ‘meitheal spirit’ was the prevailing ethos and which grounded those of us of that generation with an enduring education from the University of Life.

Her father was a gifted storyteller who often visited our home in Cloonmore when we were children and related ghost stories and those of ‘Kitty the Hare’ from Ireland’s Own about the travelling woman of Ireland. They were magical in their telling by Michael who held us spellbound in those simple and enchanting times.

Ann was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour, a warm smile and a gentle nature that she brought with her from Mace and that endeared her to so many people.

She was very much at the heart and soul of the Dalton Inn Hotel community during her time at the popular Claremorris venue where everyone was assured of the friendliest of welcomes.

Her husband, Eugene, established Waldron and Associates in 1986, the Civil Engineering Company based in Claremorris that commands such respect and outreach throughout the region.
Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Ann, all reflecting the sense of loss being felt by so many throughout the wider community.

Nina Warde and Kamile from Shine Boutique, Claremorris, captured the essence of Ann when they commented: “She was always so encouraging and positive about our little boutique, and we will truly miss her radiant smile and uplifting energy! Ann was a beautiful person, inside and out, and we will always remember her warmth and kindness.”

Bernie Kavanagh-Munnelly, Castlebar and formerly a neighbour of Ann in Mace, said: “Ann was such a beautiful lady and a kind and caring neighbour and friend in Mace, Brickens and indeed everywhere she went in life.”

The long queue at Donnellan’s Funeral Home in Ballyhaunis was reflective of the special regard in which Ann was held in the hearts of so many. Her son, Luke, delivered an inspiring eulogy at the funeral Mass in Logboy Church where the chief celebrant was Fr Brendan McGuinness, PP.

Luke told the congregation that her five great passions and tops were her grandchildren. “Every person I talked to for the last few days seemed to know everything about Alexandra and Tadhg. It was lovely to hear how much joy it gave her when speaking of them.

"Mum was so excited and looking forward to meeting her third grandchild Nancy, who sadly passed away this week. We are all heartbroken for her parents Brian and Amy, and we would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the national maternity hospital in Holles Street, Dublin.

“Her second great passion was her family. Mum was never shy of telling myself and Brian how proud she was of us, or to give us words of encouragement. Mum and Dad were married for 44 years. They built their businesses together, Wallies (in Knock), The Old Ground, and Waldron’s and Associates.

“She excelled at everything she put her mind to from her Leaving Cert resulting in her being called for National School teaching and Trinity College, Mayo County Council where she was the first woman to manage an area office, her time managing the Dalton Inn or conducting the Logboy Choir.

“Her third special passion was her friends and the local community. I’d like to thank all the neighbours and friends who welcomed Mum back to Redhill from Dublin. The candlelight reception waiting for her after the funeral home was especially touching.

“Next up was her garden. She loved being outside planting, weeding or cutting the lawns. Her other great passion was reading and the only one she kept for herself. When I picture Mum I often see her sitting in her chair reading her kindle. She always had a quote for every occasion.”

Ann, who was predeceased by her parents Kathleen and Michael Walsh and her sisters Cathy (Swift, Kiltimagh)) and Loretta (McHugh, Kiltimagh), will be sadly missed and always remembered by her husband Eugene, her sons Luke and Brian, her daughters-in-law Szilvia Fekete (Budapest) and Amy Lynch (Clonakilty) and her precious grandchildren Alexandra and Tadhg, her brothers Michael (Knock) and Vincent (Claremorris) and her sister Máire (McNicholas), in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.